What is federal supervision?

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Federal supervision is a part of a federal sentence that is served in the community once a person has completed his time in prison. This supervision is similar to probation and requires that the offender report to a probation officer based on the conditions that are outlined by the court at sentencing, according to the Federal Judicial Center.

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Federal supervision can range from one to five years, and the conditions of the release are set based on each offender's situation. Offenders can be required to meet with probation officers in person, as well as maintain consistent contact via phone. Should the conditions of the release be violated, the offender can be sent back to prison to carry out the remainder of his sentence, as noted by the Federal Judicial Center.

Conditions of federal supervision can include regular drug testing for the use of illegal substances, the offender not being allowed to travel outside of a certain area, or even house arrest, where the offender is confined to his home or property. If an offender violates the conditions of federal supervision, his probation officer has the option to work with the offender to prevent any future violations, or the officer can notify the court and request that the federal supervision be revoked, according to the Federal Judicial Center.